[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





           CONGRATULATING COAST GUARD CAPTAIN ZEITA MERCHANT

  (Ms. MALLIOTAKIS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. MALLIOTAKIS. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Black History Month, I 
rise today to recognize U.S. Coast Guard Captain Zeita Merchant, 
commander of the Port of New York, based in my district in Staten 
Island. With the announcement that she will be promoted to Rear Admiral 
in the Coast Guard, Captain Merchant is making history by becoming the 
highest ranking African-American woman in the U.S. Coast Guard's 233-
year history.
  Throughout her nearly 27-year career, she has commanded maritime 
operations in Chicago, Texas, Miami, New Orleans, and New York, many 
times being either the first minority or the first woman to hold her 
position. In many cases, she was both.
  On top of her workplace accolades, she has also received more than a 
dozen academic, community service, and military honors.
  On Staten Island, Captain Merchant has overseen the busiest port in 
our Nation to keep our maritime commerce moving, stop the flow of drugs 
coming over our borders, conduct search and rescue missions, and 
protect our national security at sea. She has managed more than 1,000 
personnel in 12 commands over an area spanning more than 6,000 square 
miles.
  On a personal note, I admire Captain Merchant's dedication and 
commitment to protecting New York City's waters. She will be truly 
missed by me and our entire community. We know that she will make us 
proud as she assumes her new role here in Washington, D.C.

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